Tempest Mk. II

Fighter

Hawker

Hawker Tempest II: Six Hawker Tempest airframes ordered early 1942 for prototype development, of which three to have Centaurus engine (initially under Typhoon II/Centaurus appellation), but only two proceeded as Hawker Tempest II prototypes with this engine. First flight (LA602) June 28, 1943, with Centaurus IV and (LA607) September 18, 1943, used for development flying with Centaurus IV, V, XII, XV and XVIII. First production Hawker Tempest II (by Bristol) flown October 4, 1944, with 2,520 hp Centaurus V or VI and Hispano Mk V cannon. Production totalled 452 (50 by Bristol, 402 by Hawker), continuing post-war. Operational use began after war's end.